After spending a few days in Phnom Penh the friend I was traveling with and I were off to Siem Reap for the rest of the week. From the moment we arrived in Siem Reap it felt like being in an entirely different country. Sure people were still offering up tuk tuk rides and magnets every step of the way, but the overall vibe was just so much more chill.
We had a day in the city to explore all of the lovely little side streets and markets which was when we landed in the sweetest little cafe run by two sisters from Australia. The playlist was a mix of 90’s hits and oldies and the menu served up the most delicious smoothies and treats. Everything I was looking for after a month of traveling.
The following day was an early morning and a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat. This was one of the best days of traveling I’d had. Our tour guide picked us up promptly at 4:30 am, took us to buy tickets, and led us to the perfect spot for watching the sun rise over the incredible temple. When the sun was up he led us to begin exploring.
We spent hours navigating more than a handful of temples surrounding Angkor Wat and soaking in the culture and the history. Among the ones that we saw my favorite was the Bayon Temple. As we entered this one it looked like a plethora of doorways leading from one to the next. When we continued climbing though we realized that it also held over 260 faces of Buddha at the top. It was extraordinary. We also explored Ta Prohm which became very famous as one of the places Laura Croft: Tomb Raider was shot.
On my last day in Siem Reap I got to meet up with a friend for lunch who lived in the city. We went to the cutest restaurant which doubled as a yoga studio. On the way back to the hotel I passed by a weaving shop. There were a few women sitting out side weaving baskets, hand bags, trays, bowls, and more. Just past their weaving area was a shop which I couldn’t resist stepping into. I left with a woven serving tray that I’m in love with.
It was a wonderful few days in Siem Reap.
. . .
bbm travels 